Land Development Finance Lead
About the role
About Us!
The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:
- Taking only what we need
- Leaving some for others
- Keeping the dish clean
This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core value, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.
Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051.
Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we prioritize homes for all, climate aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities and a resilient and future ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.
The Role
The Land Development Finance Lead serves as a key strategic partner in managing and expanding Build Waterloo Region’s financial portfolio through innovative collaboration with government officials and private sector investors. This role provides expert financial oversight for the development and management of the Region's land portfolio and industrial land reserve, driving redevelopment initiatives focused on affordable housing, industrial and commercial growth, and other strategic regional priorities.
Working closely with the Build Waterloo Region team and a diverse network of internal and external stakeholders, this leader delivers advanced financial modelling, in-depth business analysis, high-level relationship management, and strategic insights to propel the Region’s land development initiatives forward.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Establishes and maintains high-level relationships with senior government officials, ministers, and key decision-makers at the provincial and federal levels to advocate for funding, policy changes, and regulatory improvements that support Build Waterloo Region’s land development initiatives.
- Regularly liaises with executives from major development firms, industry associations, and business leaders to align regional land development goals with market trends and investment opportunities.
- Conducts economic impact assessments for major land development projects to quantify job creation, housing supply improvements, and long-term economic contributions.
- Represents the Region in intergovernmental forums and strategic industry events to position Waterloo Region as a preferred destination for investment.
- Develops and negotiates agreements with private sector partners and public agencies to leverage investment in strategic land development.
- Advocates for policies and funding mechanisms that support inclusive economic growth, workforce housing, and equitable access to employment lands.
- Prepares and updates development pro forma financial modelling and communication of the results, for active and proposed projects, including ensuring accurate assumptions when considering project timelines, hard and soft costs, absorption rates, revenue projections, structured financing, and desired return parameters.
- Develops and maintains financial models to evaluate the impact of decisions related to the Region's land portfolio and industrial land reserve for redevelopment opportunities, emphasizing affordable housing, industrial and commercial sites, and strategic regional projects.
- Champions sensitive negotiations with strategic investment partners looking to invest in Waterloo Region. Promotes and markets incentive programs while providing solutions to industry challenges, ranging from partnerships with provincial and federal levels of government to innovative partnerships within the private sector.
- Creates and markets development opportunities on strategic Build Waterloo Region lands to private developers, joint partnerships, and non-profit entities.
- Provides recommendations and manages operational and capital budgets related to the strategic land portfolio.
- Monitors land market activity continuously and is proactive and reactive to opportunities in the market. Identifies development potential in lands that have previously been overlooked through the recommendation of land use changes.
- Designs and implements investment attraction strategies to secure major corporate investments, industrial developments, and new business expansions within Waterloo Region.
- Researches and develops innovative strategies for expediting strategic land initiatives related to industrial, housing, and strategic regional development projects. Regularly reviews and revises strategies to adapt to local and global geopolitical trends.
- Assesses the local and global business climate, socioeconomic factors, trends, and other criteria to determine the probability of project success and manages cross-departmental and cross-disciplinary resource allocation while considering political implications at every step of the process.
- Identifies and prepares business assessments for prospective investors by using solution-based delivery methodologies, tools, techniques, and trends and developing business cases related to specific land parcels and clusters.
- Develops engagement strategies to build trust with local communities, ensuring that development decisions consider public interest and long-term social impact.
- Collaborates with various internal teams, or researches external best practices, to identify, recommend, and implement changes or enhancements to financial models.
- Provides development pro forma modelling and financial analysis consulting for nonprofit organizations from a land use lens while considering the organizations’ specific needs.
- Develops and maintains data-driven KPI dashboards and presents briefing materials, reports, and information to peers, senior management and Council, as required.
- Ensures compliance with financial sustainability policies while proposing funding solutions.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge and skills are generally acquired through a bachelor's degree in a related field including but not limited to Business, Economics, Mathematics, Commerce, Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, plus progressively responsible related experience.
- Must hold a designation as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or other relevant professional designation.
- Knowledge and skill in the design, development, and evaluation of businesses, budgeting, project management and change management.
- Knowledge and skill in land development financial analysis, pro forma financial model development for industrial, commercial, and residential development, construction financing, monitoring land development trends, developing land use incentive models and proposals, budgeting, management control systems, planning and accounting principles.
- Experience applying principles and techniques relating to cost/benefit analysis, present values, statistical analysis, and forecasting.
- Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, generally accepted accounting principles, related legislation (e.g., financial management, purchasing, municipal, development charges, public sector accounting board), and collective agreements.
- Ability to assemble and present complex data so it is clear, visually appealing, and understandable by all levels.
- Extensive experience analyzing and interpreting data within large datasets derived from various sources such as market trends, property listings, historical financial data, demographic information, etc.
- Extensive knowledge of current economic development, investment attraction, and planning issues in the Waterloo Region and surrounding areas. Proficient at staying informed about industry trends and best practices.
- Demonstrated political acumen and ability to collaborate and engage in meaningful discussions with federal, provincial and municipal officials and staff, land developers, non-profit organizations, residents, Indigenous communities and equity-deserving groups, and other key interest holders.
- Ability to think innovatively and explore new ideas to help eliminate barriers to the development of shovel-ready parcels and clusters.
- Significant industry experience identifying and assessing business needs, delivering solutions through various methodologies, tools, techniques, and trends, and developing compelling business cases.
For a full description, please review on our website: https://careers.regionofwaterloo.ca/job-invite/2780/
The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We actively encourage applications from diverse groups, including Black, racialized, First Nations, Métis, Inuit individuals, women, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and are committed to equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in the workplace.
For an accommodation request, please contact us and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs. Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number (519) 575-4400 to request an alternate format, or email talentmanagement@regionofwaterloo.ca.
Please note: candidates will be provided an update on their application. Please check your spam or junk folder occasionally as some candidates have noticed our emails in those folders (Gmail and Hotmail in particular).
About Region of Waterloo
The Region of Waterloo touches the lives of citizens, every day. We are responsible for more than 60 per cent of municipal government services in this community including; waste, transit (GRT and ION), growth planning, heritage, rural libraries, major roads, water supply, sewage treatment, ambulance service, Public Health, community housing and more.
The Region of Waterloo is one of this area's top employers. We employ more than 3,500 people in a wide variety of fields: community and social services, health care, arts, culture and recreation, natural and applied sciences, skilled trades, administrative support and much more.
The Region offers competitive wages, pensions and benefits, but there is so much more that makes us an outstanding employer, including: • Employee fitness centres • Tuition assistance program • Alternative work arrangements • Time for family medical leave • Employee events and casual days • In-house learning and leadership development • Secondment opportunities
The Region’s employees feel valued for the difference they make in our community every day. If you are passionate about making a difference, visit our website and check out our job postings at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/jobs .
Land Development Finance Lead
About the role
About Us!
The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:
- Taking only what we need
- Leaving some for others
- Keeping the dish clean
This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core value, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.
Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051.
Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we prioritize homes for all, climate aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities and a resilient and future ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.
The Role
The Land Development Finance Lead serves as a key strategic partner in managing and expanding Build Waterloo Region’s financial portfolio through innovative collaboration with government officials and private sector investors. This role provides expert financial oversight for the development and management of the Region's land portfolio and industrial land reserve, driving redevelopment initiatives focused on affordable housing, industrial and commercial growth, and other strategic regional priorities.
Working closely with the Build Waterloo Region team and a diverse network of internal and external stakeholders, this leader delivers advanced financial modelling, in-depth business analysis, high-level relationship management, and strategic insights to propel the Region’s land development initiatives forward.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Establishes and maintains high-level relationships with senior government officials, ministers, and key decision-makers at the provincial and federal levels to advocate for funding, policy changes, and regulatory improvements that support Build Waterloo Region’s land development initiatives.
- Regularly liaises with executives from major development firms, industry associations, and business leaders to align regional land development goals with market trends and investment opportunities.
- Conducts economic impact assessments for major land development projects to quantify job creation, housing supply improvements, and long-term economic contributions.
- Represents the Region in intergovernmental forums and strategic industry events to position Waterloo Region as a preferred destination for investment.
- Develops and negotiates agreements with private sector partners and public agencies to leverage investment in strategic land development.
- Advocates for policies and funding mechanisms that support inclusive economic growth, workforce housing, and equitable access to employment lands.
- Prepares and updates development pro forma financial modelling and communication of the results, for active and proposed projects, including ensuring accurate assumptions when considering project timelines, hard and soft costs, absorption rates, revenue projections, structured financing, and desired return parameters.
- Develops and maintains financial models to evaluate the impact of decisions related to the Region's land portfolio and industrial land reserve for redevelopment opportunities, emphasizing affordable housing, industrial and commercial sites, and strategic regional projects.
- Champions sensitive negotiations with strategic investment partners looking to invest in Waterloo Region. Promotes and markets incentive programs while providing solutions to industry challenges, ranging from partnerships with provincial and federal levels of government to innovative partnerships within the private sector.
- Creates and markets development opportunities on strategic Build Waterloo Region lands to private developers, joint partnerships, and non-profit entities.
- Provides recommendations and manages operational and capital budgets related to the strategic land portfolio.
- Monitors land market activity continuously and is proactive and reactive to opportunities in the market. Identifies development potential in lands that have previously been overlooked through the recommendation of land use changes.
- Designs and implements investment attraction strategies to secure major corporate investments, industrial developments, and new business expansions within Waterloo Region.
- Researches and develops innovative strategies for expediting strategic land initiatives related to industrial, housing, and strategic regional development projects. Regularly reviews and revises strategies to adapt to local and global geopolitical trends.
- Assesses the local and global business climate, socioeconomic factors, trends, and other criteria to determine the probability of project success and manages cross-departmental and cross-disciplinary resource allocation while considering political implications at every step of the process.
- Identifies and prepares business assessments for prospective investors by using solution-based delivery methodologies, tools, techniques, and trends and developing business cases related to specific land parcels and clusters.
- Develops engagement strategies to build trust with local communities, ensuring that development decisions consider public interest and long-term social impact.
- Collaborates with various internal teams, or researches external best practices, to identify, recommend, and implement changes or enhancements to financial models.
- Provides development pro forma modelling and financial analysis consulting for nonprofit organizations from a land use lens while considering the organizations’ specific needs.
- Develops and maintains data-driven KPI dashboards and presents briefing materials, reports, and information to peers, senior management and Council, as required.
- Ensures compliance with financial sustainability policies while proposing funding solutions.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge and skills are generally acquired through a bachelor's degree in a related field including but not limited to Business, Economics, Mathematics, Commerce, Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, plus progressively responsible related experience.
- Must hold a designation as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or other relevant professional designation.
- Knowledge and skill in the design, development, and evaluation of businesses, budgeting, project management and change management.
- Knowledge and skill in land development financial analysis, pro forma financial model development for industrial, commercial, and residential development, construction financing, monitoring land development trends, developing land use incentive models and proposals, budgeting, management control systems, planning and accounting principles.
- Experience applying principles and techniques relating to cost/benefit analysis, present values, statistical analysis, and forecasting.
- Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, generally accepted accounting principles, related legislation (e.g., financial management, purchasing, municipal, development charges, public sector accounting board), and collective agreements.
- Ability to assemble and present complex data so it is clear, visually appealing, and understandable by all levels.
- Extensive experience analyzing and interpreting data within large datasets derived from various sources such as market trends, property listings, historical financial data, demographic information, etc.
- Extensive knowledge of current economic development, investment attraction, and planning issues in the Waterloo Region and surrounding areas. Proficient at staying informed about industry trends and best practices.
- Demonstrated political acumen and ability to collaborate and engage in meaningful discussions with federal, provincial and municipal officials and staff, land developers, non-profit organizations, residents, Indigenous communities and equity-deserving groups, and other key interest holders.
- Ability to think innovatively and explore new ideas to help eliminate barriers to the development of shovel-ready parcels and clusters.
- Significant industry experience identifying and assessing business needs, delivering solutions through various methodologies, tools, techniques, and trends, and developing compelling business cases.
For a full description, please review on our website: https://careers.regionofwaterloo.ca/job-invite/2780/
The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We actively encourage applications from diverse groups, including Black, racialized, First Nations, Métis, Inuit individuals, women, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and are committed to equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in the workplace.
For an accommodation request, please contact us and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs. Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number (519) 575-4400 to request an alternate format, or email talentmanagement@regionofwaterloo.ca.
Please note: candidates will be provided an update on their application. Please check your spam or junk folder occasionally as some candidates have noticed our emails in those folders (Gmail and Hotmail in particular).
About Region of Waterloo
The Region of Waterloo touches the lives of citizens, every day. We are responsible for more than 60 per cent of municipal government services in this community including; waste, transit (GRT and ION), growth planning, heritage, rural libraries, major roads, water supply, sewage treatment, ambulance service, Public Health, community housing and more.
The Region of Waterloo is one of this area's top employers. We employ more than 3,500 people in a wide variety of fields: community and social services, health care, arts, culture and recreation, natural and applied sciences, skilled trades, administrative support and much more.
The Region offers competitive wages, pensions and benefits, but there is so much more that makes us an outstanding employer, including: • Employee fitness centres • Tuition assistance program • Alternative work arrangements • Time for family medical leave • Employee events and casual days • In-house learning and leadership development • Secondment opportunities
The Region’s employees feel valued for the difference they make in our community every day. If you are passionate about making a difference, visit our website and check out our job postings at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/jobs .